Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp is satisfied with his team’s progress in a season of transition where they brought in a host of new recruits, with the Anfield club sitting second in the standings after 15 games.
Liverpool’s engine room was rebuilt in the close season with five midfielders leaving the club, while injuries have also made things difficult, but Klopp’s side have weathered the storm to sit two points behind leaders Arsenal.
Although they were dealt another blow after losing Joel Matip to a potential season-ending injury, Klopp said other clubs could also be in the same boat with games coming thick and fast in the busiest period of the season.
“I wanted to create a basis early on in pre-season and then to become a real team, you have to overcome difficulties. We got that with red cards, being down in games — and we could overcome that,” Klopp told reporters on Friday.
“I am just happy with the development up until this point. Our new leadership group are all experienced, world-class footballers, so that’s helpful. All teams are probably only two injuries away from a real problem.”
Saturday’s early kickoff at Crystal Palace offers Liverpool the chance provisionally to go top of the standings. Klopp said Liverpool could have got a better points haul at this stage but added that the title race is tight with several contenders. “We’re doing not too bad... We could have had — or should have had — a few points more, but we don’t. We are where we are and that’s ok.”
